Automatic coffee brewing apparatus
First Claim
1. An automatic coffee brewing apparatus having an input port for receiving a disposable water bottle, the water bottle storing a sufficient volume of water to brew a plurality of decanters of coffee, comprising:
- (a) a housing formed to receive the water bottle;
(b) a first valve in fluid communication with the input port for controlling the flow of water from the water bottle;
(c) a reservoir in fluid communication with said first valve for receiving and storing at room temperature a measured quantity of water from the water bottle;
(d) a sensor for sensing the water level within said reservoir and for generating signals in response thereto;
(e) a heater in fluid communication with said reservoir for heating the measured quantity of water; and
(f) a controller for controlling the operation of said first valve and said heater in response to said sensor signals.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
An automatic coffee brewing apparatus and a method for measuring a quantity of water to be used for brewing coffee with a consistent and pleasing taste. The automatic coffee brewing apparatus has a housing formed to receive a replaceable water bottle, reservoir, solenoid valve, electronic controller and boiler. The use of a replaceable water bottle permits the brewing of several decanters of coffee without having to manually add water to the automatic coffee brewing apparatus for each decanter brewed. A measured volume of water is maintained within the reservoir at room temperature. The use of a measured volume of water assures consistency in taste. Maintaining the water at room temperature saves energy. It also prevents scale buildup, thereby improving the taste of the coffee. A second embodiment is disclosed which meters the water through a solenoid valve with a timer.
-
Citations
7 Claims
-
1. An automatic coffee brewing apparatus having an input port for receiving a disposable water bottle, the water bottle storing a sufficient volume of water to brew a plurality of decanters of coffee, comprising:
-
(a) a housing formed to receive the water bottle; (b) a first valve in fluid communication with the input port for controlling the flow of water from the water bottle; (c) a reservoir in fluid communication with said first valve for receiving and storing at room temperature a measured quantity of water from the water bottle; (d) a sensor for sensing the water level within said reservoir and for generating signals in response thereto; (e) a heater in fluid communication with said reservoir for heating the measured quantity of water; and (f) a controller for controlling the operation of said first valve and said heater in response to said sensor signals. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
-
-
6. An automatic coffee brewing apparatus having an input port for receiving a disposable water bottle, the water bottle storing a sufficient volume of water to brew a plurality of decanters of coffee, comprising:
-
(a) a housing, formed to receive the water bottle; a first solenoid valve, in fluid communication with the water bottle, for controlling the flow of water from the water bottle; (c) a timer for controlling said valve; (d) a heater, in fluid communication with said reservoir, for heating the water from the bottle; (e) a brew switch, said timer being responsive to said brew switch to cause said first solenoid valve to meter a quantity of water from the bottle and into said heater; and (f) a second valve, disposed intermediate said solenoid valve and said heater, said second valve being operative to prevent the flow of water from said heater to said first valve. - View Dependent Claims (7)
-
Specification